Biden asks Egypt, Qatar to press Hamas to agree to hostage deal

• The current proposal being negotiated could lead to a six-week ceasefire in Gaza and the release of 40 hostages — female soldiers and other women, men over the age of 50 and men in critical medical conditions.
• In return, Israel would release roughly 700 Palestinian prisoners, including about 100 who are serving life sentences for killing Israelis.

Driving the news: During his call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, Biden raised the upcoming round of talks this weekend in Cairo and asked Netanyahu to send his negotiators with a wider mandate than before in order to get a deal.

• "He made clear to Netanyahu that everything must be done to secure the release of hostages, including American citizens, now held by Hamas terrorists for nearly six months," the U.S. official said.

• After pressing Netanyahu, Biden on Friday asked the mediators in Qatar and Egypt to use their influence with Hamas.
• "He urged them to secure commitments from Hamas to agree to and abide by a deal," the U.S. official said.
• A second source familiar with the issue confirmed Biden sent the letters.
• Qatari and Egyptian officials didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

What's next: U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan is expected to meet the families of the American hostages on Monday at the White House, the U.S. official said.